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NAT Track Changes 12NOV

26OCT In around two weeks time, significant changes will occur to the design and structure of North Atlantic Tracks (NAT OTS), which have existed in their current lateral structure since the OTS introduction in 1965. The key changes are: a reduction in separation to ‘half-track’ compared to the existing structure, introduction of 24 new Oceanic Entry Points (OEP’s), and a new requirement for RNP4. A special briefing on these changes is below.
Russia-Ukraine airline ban
 
26OCT With effect from yesterday, almost all Ukrainian and Russian airlines are barred from each others airports and airspace. Ukraine issued a sanctions list in September barring all except one Russian airline from operating, and in return Russia banned the three Ukrainian airlines from operating to Russia. GA, Business Aviation, and non-scheduled flights are not affected.


 
This Bulletin is compiled from reports by International Flight Crews, Dispatchers, and Airline Operations. Got something to share? bulletin@fsbureau.org

MONDAY OPERATIONS Briefing

EGPX/Scottish FIR  High delays this morning 26OCT in Scottish airspace due to ATC radio system failure. EGPF/Edinburgh airport departures were suspended, now resumed, with enroute traffic rerouted to avoid Antrim, Galloway, Tay, and Talla sectors. Situation is slowly improving but potential for afternoon delays exists.

KORD/Chicago O'Hare There will be a TFR in effect for Oct 27 and Oct 28 due to VIP movement. Please see NOTAM 5/1931 for further details. 

MMXX/Mexico The impact of Hurricane Patricia was less than feared. MMPR/Puerto Vallarta Airport, MMZH/Ixtapa, and MMZO/Manzanillo have all reopened and are operating normally.

KXXX/USA Current runway closures: BWI-RWY 10/28 CLOSED, IAD-RWY 01R/19L CLOSED, DTW-RWY 03R/21L 09L/27R CLOSED, SEA-RWY 16C/34C CLOSED

NAT/North Atlantic ASD15 Exercise Trident Juncture (At Sea Demonstration) military exercise until 31OCT. The designated firing areas incorporate elements of Scottish FIR/UIR, Shanwick and Reykjavik FIR as well as notified UK Danger areas. Flight planning restrictions will be applied affecting NAT Traffic on northerly routes, monitor NOTAMs.

South Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season 2015-16 begins on 01NOV. Tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region, please consult the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Fiji's regional meteorological center responsible for tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific region, or Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. 
NAT Track Structure Changes

On 12 NOV 15 significant changes will occur to the design and structure of North Atlantic Tracks (NAT OTS), which have existed in their current lateral structure since the OTS introduction in 1965.

The key changes are: a reduction in separation to ‘half-track’ compared to the existing structure, introduction of 24 new Oceanic Entry Points (OEP’s), and some procedural changes. These will affect all operators on the North Atlantic.

We have produced International Ops Notice 11/15 to summarise these changes in plain language. If you would like a copy, email intl.desk@fsbureau.org, or click here. We'll also send you the new plotting chart in PDF form.
To assist Aircraft Operators with the changes on the North Atlantic, we have produced a new Aircraft Plotting Chart effective 12NOV15 showing the new Oceanic Entry Points, airspace entry requirements, suitable diversion airports with handling and fuel pricing, and some dispatcher tools like available levels, NAT FPL codes, FPL filing addresses, and FIR codes. To obtain a free copy click here or email intl.desk@fsbureau.org.

World WEATHER SNAPSHOT
Combined satellite and radar image at 0600Z today.
 
This Bulletin is compiled from reports by International Flight Crews, Dispatchers, and Airline Operations. Got something to share? bulletin@fsbureau.org

ACTIVE BULLETINS Summary
 NORTH AMERICA

KLAS/Las Vegas 07L/25R will close 28OCT until mid 2016 due to runway upgrade. Per FAA, Operators can expect a variety of flow control methods at peak times including One: Mile in trail, Two: TMA/TBFM metering from airports located in adjacent enroute centers (ZLA/ZOA/ZAB), Three: Ground delay programs, Four: Ground stops.

KPYM/Plymouth and KPVC/Provincetown face IFR delays due to Cape TRACON radar out of service from 13OCT until 13MAR16.

KHOU/Houston Hobby Airport opened a new International Terminal on 15OCT.

CXXX/Canada Starting 15MAR2016 visitors to Canada from visa-exempt countries will require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to departure. The ETA can be obtained online and is valid for 5 years. Only US Nationals are exempt from the requirement.

MYLD/Deadmans Cay, Bahamas has reopened to Commercial Traffic following damage from Hurricane Joaquin, the terminal remains out of service. Joaquin led to the closure of a number of airports in the Bahamas, although most have now reopened for service.

US Operators should be aware of the new FAA ATC phraseologies effective 03APR14. The FAA will implement “climb via” phraseology and procedures for departure operations consistent with existing “descend via” phraseology and procedures. “Climb via” and “descend via” are abbreviated ATC clearances that require compliance with the procedure's lateral path, associated speed restrictions, and altitude restrictions published on the SID or STAR. Some good information at http://www.nbaa.org/ops/cns/pbn/climb-via/dasd

MMMX/Mexico City International Airport cannot be used as a filed alternate on flight plans. As per CO- AV-44/15.

 CARIBBEAN


MHTG/Central America FIR now has operational CPDLC with logon MHTG. FPL should contain D1 and either J2, J5 or J7 to indicate the type of datalink capability.

MHTG/Central America FIR reminds operators that a CENAMER notification by AFTN is required for all flights planning to enter the airspace.
 ATLANTIC

CZQX/Gander FIR / EGXX/Shanwick FIR /  North Atlantic Multiple airspace and procedural changes will take place on 12NOV2015 with RLAT/Reduced Lateral separation in the NAT region. Flight Service Bureau has issued International Ops Notice 11/15 "NAT Track Structure", with a simple summary of the changes; request a copy here.

NAT/North Atlantic Phase 2 of the North Atlantic datalink mandate began with Phase 2a on 05FEB2015, at which time flights within the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) between FL350 and FL390 must be equipped with Fans 1/A controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) and ADS-C systems. The program expands to these altitudes in the entire ICAO NAT region on Dec. 7, 2017, and to all flights in this region above FL290 on Jan. 30, 2020.

NAT/North Atlantic Effective 29MAY14 significant changes affect the structure and design of NAT Tracks, and Oceanic Flight Planning. The Gander Oceanic Transition Area (GOTA) is introduced. The Fish Points are largely removed, and the construction of NAT Tracks and anchor points/pairings changed. Blue Spruce Routes are also changed.
 SOUTH AMERICA

SEXX/Ecuador A new DGAC resolution now effective permits non-scheduled aircraft to land without a Landing Permit as long as the aircraft is operating under private ops, will not stay longer than 72 hours in Ecuador, and visits only one location in Ecuador. The official document is here (in Spanish).

SBRB/Rio Branco INTL Airport prohibited operations of aircraft with wingspan is more than 36M due to pavement restriction From 13 november 2014, 0000 UTC to 31 december 2015, 2359 UTC.

SKCG/Cartagena will be closed 0600-1030Z until 30NOV due WIP.

SAEZ/Bueno Aires has a new General Aviation Terminal that is now open. Customs clearance can be facilitated within the terminal, all items must be taken off the aircraft on arrival. Commercial ad-hoc aircraft still require a landing permit from ANAC, lead time several weeks.

SAWC/El Calafate, Argentina A reminder that a spanish-speaking ‘Navigator’ is required on board for arrivals/departures to communicate with ATC if the crew do not speak ‘Spanish ATC’.

SPIM/Lima, Peru Struggling with Airport capacity. A variety of significant restrictions for General Aviation, Non Scheduled, and Cargo flights in effect. Check carefully with your handler or dispatcher as all movements should be co-ordinated at least 24 hrs in advance.

 
 AFRICA

HECC/Cairo FIR, Egypt Overflight Risk due MANPADS: Entire Sinai Peninsula, min FL250. Egypt raised lower limit G183 to FL250. FAA Notam A0011/15.

HLLL/Tripoli FIR, Libya. Overflight Risk due MANPADS. Recommended to avoid entire FIR. Airspace entry prohibited for UK, US, French, US Carriers.

GABS/Bamako ACC, Mali. Overflight Risk due surface weapons. FAA A0004/15 recommends FL260 minimum. Highest risk in North near Mopti.

Hxxx/South Sudan UK NOTAM V0049/15 issued for potential risk to aviation from dedicated surface to air weaponry. Operators are strongly advised not to enter the territory and airspace of South Sudan.
 
 EUROPE

LFxx/France Datalink implemented from 22OCT LFRR/Brest and LFBB/Bordeaux ACC from 0900L. Initial phase, no ACL (Clearance via CPDLC), and aircraft must be on Eurocontrol whitelist. Ref France AIC A22/15.

EGxx/London FIR. From 01OCT15, the authority for the UK FMP to issue discretionary -5/+5 CTOT extensions has been removed. ATS Units/Operators should ensure that aircraft are started and pushed back in good time to meet the CTOT and the standard -5/+10 Slot Tolerance Window. An updated EOBT should be sent prior to start up if the CTOT cannot be met.

LIXX/Italy Any flight departing Libya is not permitted to overfly or land in Italy. Ref Notam W1931/2015.

UKxx/Ukraine Effective 25OCT2015 Russian aircraft will be banned from flying through Ukraine airspace due to current political situation.

Uxxx/Russia In return, Ukrainian registered aircraft will be unable to fly through Russian airspace.

UKxx/Ukraine FIR's There are two distinct areas at issue in the Ukraine. Simferopol FIR is closed to international traffic since 03APR14 due to a dispute between authorities over control. Dnipropetrovsk FIR has had the eastern half closed by the Ukrainian CAA on 18JUL following the shootdown of MAS17. Most operators are avoiding the entire FIR. The remainder of the Ukraine FIR’s are open (L’viv, Kiev, Odessa) with majority of airlines operating through. Heaviest Traffic flows are via G724 (North) and UL852 and UP975 (South).

EVRA/Riga, Latvia A new FBO and hangar is now open since 08SEP at Riga, operated by RIGA Business Aviation Center.

EDDT/Berlin Tegel’s closure has been postponed until 2017 due to the delays in opening the new Brandenburg Airport

BIRK/Reykjavik, Iceland open H24 but Take Off not permitted 2330-0700 weekdays, 2330-0800 weekends.

EDDF/Frankfurt, Germany The overnight curfew 2300-0500 remains in place for all aircraft using Frankfurt International.

UMMM/Minsk FIR will accept scheduled flights that avoid Ukraine airspace via Belarus airspace based on FPL. Operators should insert the following note in field 18 of the FPL: (RMK/THIS FLT REROUTED DUE TO AVOID UKRAINE) Other flights operating in Belarus airspace shall be guided by Belarus AIP (GEN 1.2-3).


 
 MIDDLE EAST

OMDW/Dubai World hosts Dubai Airshow 08-12NOV. Landing Permit required for all flights, 3 days processing, standard documents and requirements. Slot required for OMDW, window +/- 5mins. Show details at www.dubaiairshow.aero

OPRN/Islamabad, Pakistan closed 1300-1800 daily due runway works until 28OCT.

OYSC/Sanaa FIR, Yemen Closed to overflights due to fighting; US aircraft specifically prohibited by FAA from overflying by Notam A10/15. Some countries have noted that the overwater portion is safe for use but this is to be carefully assessed by the individual operator.



OAxx/Kabul FIR, Afghanistan overflight risk due MANPADS. Germany recommends min FL330, FAA FL260, French FL240.

ORBB/Baghdad FIR, Iraq. Overflight Risk due conflict. Recommended to avoid FIR Entirely. FAA Prohibits US Carriers A0065/14. Most operators avoiding.

OSLK/Basel al-Assad closed to civilian traffic effective 13OCT due to Russian military operations in Syria. Flights will be diverted to OSDI/Damascus.
 ASIA

VNXX/Nepal continues to experience shortages of fuel due to a halt in shipments coming from India. Available fuel for domestic airlines is rapidly decreasing, and authorities worry that domestic flights will soon be unavailable. The Nepalese government has requested that international airlines carry return fuel or refuel at airports en route, as Tribhuvan International Airport (VNKT/KTM) has no available fuel.

VHHH/Hong Kong with effect 25OCT (IATA Winter 2015) will amend slot issuing procedures to give priority to operators with higher capacity aircraft, and where same types conflict for the same slot time, lower noise levels.

VHHH/Hong Kong will introduce reduced arrival spacing between aircraft from 8am on 22OCT, with the new minima set at 3.5nm. Per procedure, a landing clearance may be issued while the runway is still occupied.
 PACIFIC

YXXX/Australia The exemption available for ADS-B requirements above FL290 in Australian airspace expires on 11DEC2015. After this date, all flights must be ADS-B equipped.

NFFF/Nadi FIR Airline operators/pilots intending to operate into Fiji domestic airspace or to transit the Nadi FIR should include their 24-Bit address in the field 18 for ATS surveillance purposes. NZZO/Auckland Oceanic FIR Met Data - change to procedure. Put simply, if you make a report on HF, no need to send a met report. If you are doing it via CPDLC, send it (at designated MET reporting points).

NFFF/Nadi FIR, Fiji ADS-B In Trail procedure trial underway effective 09JAN, reducing separation to 15NM in Oceanic Airspace for suitable aircraft.

PGUM/Agana, Guam, PGSN/Saipan, and PKMJ/Majuro have intermittent fuel shortages at present. Confirmation of fuel supply is generally only available within 72 hours of flight.
Country Information Sheets

The Flight Service Bureau will regularly publish a 1 page PDF country summary for international flight operations. For use by airlines, AO's, and crew, the guide will contain practical information for the country in question including an Operating Checklist, Permit information, Handling and Fuel, recent changes, and a ranking for Airport Fees, Fuel costs, Air Safety, and Security.

The first of these is now available: ' The Lowdown on flight operations to Cuba'.
To obtain a free copy, email intl.desk@fsbureau.org or click here.
 
International Ops Notice 10/15

On 06 OCT 15 the Russian military launched 26 Kalibr-class cruise missiles from 4 ships in the Caspian Sea at targets in Syria. These missiles were routed through the airspace of Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria, causing concern as to the safety of international air traffic crossing the missiles trajectory amid the potential for further strikes.

We have published International Ops Notice 10/15 as a summary. To obtain a copy, email intl.desk@fsbureau.org or click here.
Your Reports Please! We greatly appreciate it when you take the time to submit Ops Reports, News, and corrections. Send your input directly to our editor at bulletin@fsbureau.org. Thanks!
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